Introduction

We now come to the third church of the seven churches in the Book of Revelation. The church at Pergamum. So far we have looked at the churches at Ephesus and Smyrna. Remember, these churches were actual churches that were located in what is now modern day Turkey. They also can represent periods of church history down through the years. Each church contains characteristics that modern day churches at times posses; both the good and the bad things.

(Revelation 2:12-17)

12 “Write to the angel of the church in Pergamum: “The One who has the sharp, double-edged sword says: 13 I know where you live—where Satan’s throne is! And you are holding on to My name and did not deny your faith in Me, even in the days of Antipas, My faithful witness who was killed among you, where Satan lives. 14 But I have a few things against you. You have some there who hold to the teaching of Balaam, who taught Balak to place a stumbling block in front of the Israelites: to eat meat sacrificed to idols and to commit sexual immorality. 15 In the same way, you also have those who hold to the teaching of the Nicolaitans. 16 Therefore repent! Otherwise, I will come to you quickly and fight against them with the sword of My mouth. 17 “Anyone who has an ear should listen to what the Spirit says to the churches. I will give the victor some of the hidden manna. I will also give him a white stone, and on the stone a new name is inscribed that no one knows except the one who receives it.

The actual church and this church period in history (312-606 AD) has often been called the "government church." The church had been elevated during this time because of the influence of the Roman ruler Constantine. He claimed he saw a vision from God of a fiery cross that caused him to elevate Christianity above all other religions.

Christianity soon became the dominate religion of the Roman empire. This event caused the Church to begin compromising with the pagan society around it and soon it became hard to tell the difference between the world and the Church. Incidentally, the word Pergamum means marriage or elevation.

Commendation

Let's look at what Jesus had to say to this church. First, He describes Himself as the One who has the double-edged sword. Why would Jesus say this first. It could have been because He saw how they had compromised their faith and was telling them they needed to get back to what they knew, which was the Word of God. It sounds as if He was saying they needed to let the Word cut them and divide them; basically sanctifying them so they could experience the joy and peace of God again.

Secondly, Jesus said He knows "they live where Satan has his throne", meaning they were right in the middle of the most pagan society imaginable. Pergamum was under attack by Satan and he was using the powerful ruler Constantine to cause Christians to compromise. But they were not just attacked, Jesus said they were devoted.

There was a remnant within the church who had not compromised. They were remaining faithful to the Apostolic teachings and holding true to their faith in Christ. Praise God there is always a remnant within any church that sticks with the stuff of God's Word and doesn’t compromise. No matter how alone we may feel at times in our faith, there are still those who encourage us to remain faithful. But be careful because even though Satan can never separate us from our faith, he can dilute our faith.

Condemnation

So, what was Jesus condemnation for this church? First, He said there were those who were following the teachings of Balaam. This was the prophet in (Numbers 22-24) who was hired to curse the nation of Israel by King Balak. But if you remember the story, every time Balaam tried to curse Israel, God would come and cause him to bless them.

This church had been on fire with revival during the early days of the Church, especially during the time period at Ephesus. Then they were a powerful witness during the time period of Smyrna. But this new found prosperity had cause them to begin to believe unsound things. They even believed that because of their prosperity they were now experiencing the new kingdom of God.

This teaching of Balaam basically said, even though we can't curse Christianity we can cause them to compromise sexually which will lead to other compromises. It worked. Jesus was saying they had become polluted with the world and they were no longer loyal just to Him.

The second condemnation Jesus had for them was that some held to the teachings of the Nicolaitans. It is interesting that the previous church hated the teachings of the Nicolaitans. But this church at Pergamum tolerated it. Teachings such as prayers for the dead, making the sign of the cross, the worship of Mary, the worship of the saints and angels, doctrine of purgatory, and prayers directed to Mary became mainstream in Christianity during this time. I heard a pastor say once, "Compromise yourself morally and it wont be long you will compromise yourself theologically. You will make doctrine fit your lifestyle."

Counsel

Jesus told this church to repent; to change their action. They needed to turn from the compromising position they were in. For this to happen would call for a change of heart and mind. The Apostle Paul taught this in the Book of Romans.

(Romans 12:1-2)

1 Therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, I urge you to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God; this is your spiritual worship. 2 Do not be conformed to this age, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may discern what is the good, pleasing, and perfect will of God.